20 July 2021
Visiting restrictions across NHS Borders will remain at Covid-19 protection level 1.
While we recognise that Scotland moved to level 0 on 19 July, there are still significant pressures on our hospitals, primary and community services in the Borders. As a result of this we have taken the difficult decision to maintain level 1 visiting restrictions at our sites for the moment. This is in order to keep our patients, staff and visitors as safe as possible.
We will regularly review this decision as we carefully plan the gradual and phased move towards full person-centred visiting with necessary mitigations in place such as physical distancing. Our visiting policy will be adapted accordingly as soon as we feel it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Susannah Flower, Associate Director of Nursing and Chief Nurse of Primary & Community Services, said: “This decision was not taken lightly as we appreciate the positive impact that support from loved ones can have on our patients’ wellbeing and recovery.
"At present every patient in one of our hospitals can benefit from support and contact with at least one named person of their choosing. This increases to two named people for each patient whenever possible, for example in the ward environments which have enough space to allow additional visitors to physically distance from other patients and visitors.
"When in our buildings visitors are able to provide vital support to their loved one including close contact such as hand holding. Although we would remind visitors that it is important they continue to physically distance in communal areas, wear face coverings and frequently wash their hands when entering and leaving clinical areas.
"We would also strongly encourage visitors to carry out a rapid Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Covid-19 Test before coming to see their loved one. These tests are quick and easy to do, and can be obtained from your local pharmacy, by calling 119 or ordering online via NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-get-a-test-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms
"Visiting will continue to be by appointment only and visitors should contact the ward to arrange a time to visit. Anyone with questions about visiting arrangements should speak to the nurse in charge of the ward.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of the Borders for their understanding and cooperation."